CAMINO DE SANTIAGO, ON A WHIM
BROOKE & WILHELM GENN | THE NOMADIC NEWLYWEDS
It’s been a whirlwind week since receiving a 2am text from my mother that read, “Let’s trek el Camino de Santiago – it’s about a month long hike in Spain. Me, you and Chase. Look into it.”
I’ve learned so much, packed and unpacked so much, worried and celebrated so much since responding, “I’m in.”
We haven’t trained. Two of the three of us had never heard of this beautiful pilgrimage before this week. We are completely winging it. I (for example) begrudgingly run 3 miles per day… And will now have to cover 20 miles in a single day, with a heavy pack (full of camera gear, I just couldn’t leave it behind), in the sweltering Spanish summer.
We’re going to share the good, the bad and the sure-to-be-ugly of our 500 mile journey right here. We’ll let you know what we packed, and how well (or not) that worked out for us. We’ll tell you about our individual reasons for feeling compelled to go all in on the Camino. We’ll tell you about the amazing people, from all over the globe, that we are hoping to meet. We’ll fill you in on all the wild history the Way of Saint James holds!
We’re at three individual airports in the U.S. right now, preparing to board the airliners that will carry us high above the clouds, to meet up at a place we’ve never been, but that we already feel is a part of our souls.
I’ll have plenty of time whilst trekking to send out good vibes and prayers for anyone who would like – Give me a name/situation etc and I will carry you or your request every mile with me. Whether you’re a religious person or not, I believe it could be very healing to know someone else is wishing you well and sending you love as they journey. I’d love to include you on my list, comment below or shoot me an email to [email protected]!
Lots of love, and happy trails to you – wherever your journey is taking you today,
Brooke
13 thoughts on “Camino de Santiago, on a whim”
Oh. My. Gosh. Your spontaneity and your skimbaco/nomadic lifestyle is so incredibly enthralling/amazing/unbelievable. I would absolutely give anything to be as courageous as you, girl! Keep me and Dustin and the rest of the accountability lovelies on your mind throughout this pilgrimage. Please, be extra cautious and safe! I will miss being able to get in contact with you!!!!!! 3 miles to 20 miles, I don’t think we will be able to keep up when you’re back! Good luck and best wishes -BLT <3
PS- I pray that it is everything you and your family need + more. Nothing is better at healing the soul than the beauty of this earth!
Best wishes on your journey.
Best of luck guys, hope you all enjoy it! Don’t expect too much from your feet the first few days, allow your bodies to catch up with your heads are planning 🙂
Please send wishes for my brother Ralph as we try to get him a kidney transplant. Enjoy this as I know you will.
Dear Friends, please pary for me ! I should start the camino on Aug.29 from SJPP but I’m battling depression ;-( Wishing you a wonderful and Buen Camino. May the Lord Bless you.
love it!! Buen Camino !
Brooke, Please send good vibes Danielle’s way has she begins her journey to OSU Vet school. She is on her way to fulfilling her dream and is soooo excited!
Safe travels and Happy Times! Looking forward to following you along the way.
Julie O
The first week is the hardest – for your feet and body but your mind is running ahead with adrenaline. Listen to your body and feet. Go slower shorter distances at first which will enable you to power on through your journey later with no issues. I just returned and wish you a very Buen Camino!
Please carry Shane and I in your hearts and on your travels. We are just beginning planning to walk The Camino in May 2016 – and we haven’t even met in person yet. Congratulations on your nuptials and Buen Camino!
Buen Camino, hoping to follow in your footsteps Spring 2016.
I wish you all the best on your continued journey. My husband and I hope to do this one of these days. Hopefully sooner than later. Safe travels from Tyler, TX USA.
hi Brooke,
missed the blog on the walk. What did you find were your most needed items in your pack? And where did you find d the cute T?
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